The derelict Main Street building (pictured) went ablaze at about 6am this morning β€” leaving bystanders shocked.

The roof has been completely destroyed and safety experts are deciding whether the sandstone shell should be demolished.

Ayr station manager Derek Davidson said: β€œThe incident is still ongoing. Fire crews are working to bring the incident to a conclusion. It will be under investigation by the police and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.” Crews fought the blaze with hose and main reel jets and mounted high reach appliances to access smaller flames within the building.

The A77 running through Maybole is closed.